Head Start for Java Programmers: The Tools, Concepts, Expectations and Mindset for Your New Profession

Get off to a great start in all the aspects of the programming profession as an entry level Java developer. This book does not teach the Java programming language, it teaches the many tools and concepts used daily by Java developers. It details the expectations of the workplace and defines strategies for approaching the different responsibilities of a developer.

Getting hired for the first time, or switching to Java is by default a stressful experience. You go on foreign territory, surround yourself with strangers, try to figure out a system that was put in place over many years and work with it. All this in real time, under continuous evaluation of your new manager and peers. It’s a lot to take in, and most of it is not well explained or documented. Asking for help feels like interrupting and bothering people.

Then you go to Google and search for every word you hear. You hear Maven a lot, you google it, it's supposed to help you build your project. Super simple and very ambiguous. You have no idea that “build” is jargon, how could you? And people don't even understand what you don't understand. How could you not know that “build” means a particular technical process with lots of intricate steps? That's the only way they've used the word, daily, for many years.

You begin to doubt your mental capacities, your otherwise certain inclination towards programming. “Why am I not getting all this?” Are you just not good enough at understanding concepts and tools? Are you the worse at googling stuff and understanding Wikipedia or “About X - what is X” pages? You’re adding self doubt and anxiety to an already tough time. You ask yourself: “Was I supposed to already know these things?” Could it be that the only seminar you’ve skipped in school taught all of these? Not likely. Most higher education in the field primarily teaches “Computer Science” and much less “Software Engineering”. It does very little to prepare you to enter the software development workforce.
Much can be done to help people in your situation. Most software companies have a very similar setup, and when you narrow the field to primarily Java programming, the tools and procedures are close to standard.

Knowing in advance what to expect, which tools to familiarize yourself with, what concepts you should understand, all in the comfort of your reading corner at home, will benefit you greatly. Having self-confidence and peace of mind by your side in the first weeks of work is a great advantage. You’ll integrate faster, make a better first impression, become a productive team member sooner than expected, focus easier on more advanced topics.